How Centennial Handles Building Setbacks & Zoning: A Practical Guide

Centennial maintains 86 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Centennial falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Lot Coverage Limits

Centennial caps building coverage ratio, building footprint divided by lot area, by zoning subdistrict under Table 12-3-301A, ranging from 20% in NC 2A up to 60% for Single Family Detached-Cottage lots.

Key details: NC 2A max coverage: 20%. NC 9 max coverage: 30%. NC 5 max coverage: 42%. SFD-Cottage max coverage: 60%. Governing section: LDC § 12-3-205; Table 12-3-301A.

Exceeding the maximum building coverage ratio for the lot's zoning subdistrict without approved alternative standards is a zoning violation; the City can withhold a building permit or require the plan be revised.

Structure Height Limits

Centennial measures building height from the average grade at the front building line to the roof's highest midpoint or top parapet; maximum heights range from 30 ft. in most NC districts up to 70 ft. in some NI subdistricts.

Key details: Measurement point: Average grade at front building line. NC 9 max height: 30 ft.. NC 2A max height: 35 ft.. NI SFA/MF range: 30–70 ft.. Governing section: LDC § 12-3-204.

Constructing above the applicable maximum height for the zoning subdistrict without an approved variance is a zoning violation; the City can require the structure be reduced to the permitted height.

Setback Rules

In Centennial's NC 9 Neighborhood Conservation subdistrict, a single-family detached home needs a 20 ft. front setback, a 10 ft. street side setback, a 5 ft. interior side setback, a 16 ft. total side setback (S1 + S2) and a 20 ft. rear setback, with a 30% building coverage ratio and a 30 ft. height limit under Table 12-3-301A of the Land Development Code.

Key details: Front setback: 20 ft. (Table 12-3-301A, NC 9). Street side setback: 10 ft. on corner lots. Interior side / total side: 5 ft. each side; 16 ft. combined (S1 + S2). Rear setback: 20 ft.. Coverage and height: 30% building coverage ratio; 30 ft. maximum height.

Under Section 12-15-201, it is unlawful for an owner or tenant to erect, enlarge or alter a building in a way that is inconsistent with the Land Development Code, and a violation is a public nuisance. Violations are minor offenses unless the LDC or state law says otherwise, and each calendar day of a continuing violation counts as a separate violation. Under Section 12-15-302 the Director can issue a cease and desist order and hold further permits until the violation is corrected.

The Bottom Line

Centennial's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Centennial is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Centennial's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.